India taking swift strides in tourism

Published on : Friday, September 1, 2017

Along with increased growth in other sectors, the tourism sector in India is now marching forward with positive steps in the right direction. India, with its rich cultural heritage, dotted with many spots with nature’s bounty and charms, sublime environs and numerous other attractions, pilgrimage places depicted as ‘Incredible India’ is gaining popularity all over. Tourist traffic is attaining new heights and this sector still needs to tap its vast potential. In the global tourism industry, India is slowly but steadily carving a niche for itself.

Tourism in India, which is one of the biggest sources of economic development, is growing at an impressive pace in recent years. Domestic travels for pilgrimages, business and varied other factors are there for several years. Keeping in mind the high potential, there is further scope of giving boost to India’s tourism industry. More sustained endeavors are required to secure larger share in global tour and travel sectors.

As per latest figures, tourism generated Rs. 14.02 lakh crore (US$ 220 billion) or 9.6 per cent of the nation’s GDP in 2016 and supported 40.343 million jobs, which is 9.3 per cent of its total employment. Tourism sector in India is predicted to grow at an annual rate of 6.8 per cent to Rs. 28.49 lakh crore (US$ 440 billion) by 2027, which is 10 per cent of the GDP.

India’s medical tourism estimated to be worth US$ 3 billion, and is projected to grow further to $7–8 billion by 2020. Around 88.9 lakh foreign tourists arrived in India in 2016 as compared to 80.27 lakh during the previous year, recording a growth of 10.7 percent.
Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi has stressed the need for involvement of youth power in projection and promotion of tourism industry.

As per the report of World Economic Forum on global travel and tourism, India ranks 40th out of 136 nations across the globe. Now with the present Government’s emphasis on improvement of roads network, high-speed railway and air services, higher hotel accommodation, business opportunities, cashless payment system, clean environ and liberalized visa system and suitable human resources, the tourist traffic is expected to further grow up swiftly.